Derelict Wharfedale Inn could become offices under new plan

An application has been lodged with Leeds City Council seeking permission to change the ground floor of the former Wharfedale Inn, on Arthington Lane, from a public house to offices, while retaining two existing flats on the upper floors. The scheme would also see outbuildings converted into storage and small business units.

The Wharfedale Inn has stood empty since at least 2019 and, according to planning documents, has been unsuccessfully marketed to prospective pub operators for more than six years.

The carpark and west elevation of the former Wharfedale Inn in Arthington Lane (Image: LCC planning documents)

Applicant Wharfedale Inn Estates Ltd, acting on behalf of landscape design and construction firm PWP Landscapes Ltd, says the site offers an opportunity to bring a neglected landmark back into productive use while allowing the business to expand locally.

Planning documents describe the condition of the former pub as "poor", stating that it had suffered from years without regular maintenance. The applicant said emergency works had already been needed to address burst pipes, water damage and security concerns after acquiring the property in late 2025.

If approved, the conversion would create around 384sq m of office space on the ground floor, with internal alterations forming the bulk of the work. Small extensions are also proposed, including a new office entrance lobby and an 80sq m storage extension to the former outbuilding.

The east elevation of the former Wharfedale Inn on the edge of Pool-in-Wharfedale (Image: LCC planning documents)

The plans would retain much of the building's historic character while repairing damaged features including render, roofs, rainwater goods and windows. Leaded windows on the front elevation are expected to be preserved where possible.

A design and access statement submitted with the application says: "This site presented the Applicant with an opportunity to meet all of these requirements with the added benefit to the local community and neighbourhood of taking a prominent dilapidated building and putting it back to beneficial use."

The site currently contains extensive parking, with 72 spaces already available. Under the proposals, 38 spaces would be allocated for office staff, including four electric vehicle charging points, alongside visitor and residential parking. A secure cycle store would also be provided.

The applicant argues that reusing the existing buildings is a more sustainable option than demolition, claiming it could deliver significant reductions in construction waste and carbon emissions while preserving a building considered locally significant.

Looking into the yard between the main building and the outbuilding (right) of the former Wharfedale Inn in Arthington Lane (Image: LCC planning documents)

The former coaching inn is not a listed building and lies outside a conservation area, although planning documents acknowledge it may have value as a non-designated heritage asset because of its age and historic use.

Developers said the proposals had been shaped through pre-application discussions with Leeds City Council, which reportedly welcomed the sensitive reuse of the vacant site.

A decision on the application will be made by the council at a later date.